Making Firecracker Cupcakes with Pop Rocks is simple when you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder (if making chocolate cupcakes), baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well blended.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Take care not to overmix.

5. Fill Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

7. Cool the Cupcakes: Once baked, allow cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and powdered sugar. Whip together, adding milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring to reach your desired color.

9. Frost the Cupcakes: Once cooled, generously frost each cupcake with the prepared frosting.

10. Add Pop Rocks: Just before serving, sprinkle Pop Rocks on top of the frosted cupcakes to add that explosive flavor.